MANUHA TEMPLE
BACKGROUND
Manuha Temple was built by Manuha, the captive Mon King of Thaton. In the historical records, it was considered one of the earliest temples at Bagan. According to the Legend, King Manuha was allowed to build this temple in 1059 A.D.
The Buddha images from this temple are an allegorical representation of the physical discomfort and mental distress the captive Mon King had to endure. The builder’s grievance is graphically demonstrated by the uncomfortably seated and reclining positioned of Buhhda whose head pointing to north that symbolizes the dying Buddha was at the moment of about to enter Nirvana.
One can climb to the top of this pagoda via the stairs at the entrance to the reclining Buddha chamber, from the back of the temple. Through a window, the viewer can then see the face of the sitting Buddha, from different aspect at this level that the gigantic Buddha’s Face was so grimed look from below, yet here, an equally gigantic smile. During the earthquake of 1975, the central roof collapsed that the largest seated Buddha,was badly damaged but since has been repaired.
STRUCTURE
The exterior and overall floor plans resemble the more remote Kyauk Gu Oh Min, a rectangular box topped by a smaller rectangle. It is a reduplicated square structure with battlemented terrace as the upper story being smaller than the lower, so that the entire building appears to assume the form of a pyramid. It contains three images of seated Buddhas all seem too large for their enclosures, and their cramped, uncomfortable positions are said to represent the stress and lack of comfort the ‘captive king’ had to endure. At the back, is where the huge reclining ‘Parinibbana’ Buddha; It is said that only the reclining Buddha in the act of entering Nirvana has a smile on its face, showing that for Manuha King only death was a release from his suffering.
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It is a reduplicated square structure with battlemented terrace…
The temple reflects the physical discomfort and mental distress the captive king…
This is the place where normal lens like 18mm does not work. Wide Angle Lens is a must to cover the whole Buddha image…
The reclining Buddha the head pointing to the north symbolizes the dying Buddha about to enter Nirvana…
This is the main entrance to the temple…
This is the alms bowl at the entrance. On the important religious occasions, people offer alms to Buddha images pouring into this bowl… It’s of 10 feet high and 5 feet in width approximately…
Interesting detail bro! I never been there… I wish I could visit there with you and take photos together If I have a chance. 4th is my favorite bro!